Fiery fall in the vineyard

Living on a vineyard is a great fit for this Wisconsin gal. I love seeing four seasons, and while living in Sonoma means no White Christmases, I still get to enjoy distinct seasons every time I walk through the rows of vines that surround our home. Summer will always be my favorite season by a long shot, but the wild lightening bolts of color that appear in the Fall make me deliriously happy.

Earlier this month (November 11 to be exact), I took a few photos of the incredible blaze of colors in the vineyard.

Leaves flaming, blazing, burning with colors.

A Wisconsin fall at its most colorful couldn’t do much better than this (well, maybe, but it would be close).

Soft brown grasses, brilliant leaves on the vines, and a background of Sonoma’s green hills.

We had huge winds this week, and on Thursday, Mia and I headed out to the vineyard to get some photos. Wow – what a change ten days makes. The riotous colors of early Fall are nearly gone and the quiet November phase of Fall is here. Colors are fading, leaves falling, geese flying south, we pulled out all the summer plants from the garden, and harvested the pears, apples and pomegranates.

Mia surveys the vineyard on a windy afternoon.

The recent rain (so desperately needed) and this week’s wind have joined forces to take most of the leaves off the vines.

A cluster of dried grapes still hanging on the vine.

Acorns from our oak trees adorn the vineyard floor.

Mia trots through the vineyard rows.

We are praying for more rain, but in the meantime, I am enjoying each day of this season.

What is your favorite season? Tell me your stories.

A few links from the world wide web you may enjoy:

This photographer takes beautiful photos of homeless dogs in an effort to get them adopted into new, forever homes more quickly. It works, and she gives tips how you too can do it.  You can sign up for her blog as well.

Want to experiment with owning chickens before you buy? Check out this business idea that lets you do just that.

My love affair with coffee continues. Here’s a history lesson on the magic bean.

November for Beginners, a poem.

A lovely video of Árstíðir, an Icelandic indie-folk group singing an ancient hymn in a German train station.

This photo makes me smile.

Thanks for reading.